The symptoms aren't that unusual: a racing heart, dizziness, or being extremely tired. One Bellevue woman lived with them for more than 20 years before finding out that atrial fibrillation caused the problems.

Violet Gaither used to be so tired, even a game of Candy Land was out of the question. She couldn't enjoy time with her daughter and granddaughter.

Violet says, "I would get short of breath, very tired, and perspiring. That's what got me the most because I would just be drenched."

Violet lived with it for years until she had a heart attack last August. Doctors found atrial fibrillation, a problem with the heart's rhythm.

It can be treated but cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Mohammed Quader, says studies show there is a gender bias.

Dr. Quader says, "It is disturbing to know there's a condition that, number-one, is under-diagnosed in women. And even when it is diagnosed it is not being taken very seriously and pursued as it is in men."

It's especially troubling because the risks are very real. Doctors say atrial fibrillation increases death risk by 200 percent -- stroke risk by 500 percent.

Treatment options include medication, heart surgery, or a minimally invasive procedure known as ablation.

Dr. Quader was able to help Violet. By creating an electric grid around pulmonary vein openings, the impulse is unable to reach the heart and make it beat irregularly.

Violet is making progress but it'll be a few more weeks before she knows if it worked. Her advice to other women with symptoms: be proactive, see a doctor.

"You just never know," she says. "It could be something. It could be nothing. I think it's best to know instead of blowing it off."